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As I mentioned in Kitchen Tools for the Homestead Cook, we have a different set of needs for kitchen tools than the average homemaker. One of those needs is that our tools must be heavy-duty. You probably already know that WonderMill is one of the most popular grain mills for the homesteader’s kitchen. Guess what! They also make a heavy-duty … Continue reading →

I had my first session with a business coach on Friday and that session reminded me of this post. If you remember it, you’ve been sticking with me for a few years. I hope you enjoy it again. For all others, I hope it speaks to you as much as it did to me when I re-read it yesterday. … Continue reading →

One thing I hear over and over again that folks struggle with is housekeeping on the homestead. “How do I keep the homestead dirt out of the house?” they ask. So I want to talk about that. But first, a disclaimer. My home is not ready to be featured in House Beautiful. Ever. At any time. Even when company is … Continue reading →

When my daughter was 8 years old, I told her I wanted her to learn to run a kitchen by the time she was 12. She took the challenge seriously and learned all she could. When she was a little older, she made her own request. “Mommy, if you never make me come into this garden again, I will … Continue reading →

I told my sister that fermented foods would help her husband’s health issues. You should have seen the look on her face when she asked, “And what, exactly, are fermented foods?” I had to chuckle. “Like sauerkraut,” I responded. But you know what? Fermented foods are much more widespread than that. Yogurt is a good example. I’ve been making … Continue reading →

Homestead cooks face a set of challenges that the everyday homemaker does not. One of those challenges is processing food in bulk. Another is doing with our foods what others rely on commercial processors to do, like grinding meat or milling flour. Because of these challenges, homestead cooks require a different set of kitchen tools than other cooks do. … Continue reading →

Life has its stages. Once, I was twenty-something with four little kids. I had limitations on my time and my energy, but my energy stores were much greater at twenty-something than they are now, so in retrospect, that wasn’t so bad. Then, I was thirty-something with four bigger kids. They could help more. They could get themselves dressed, fold … Continue reading →

Need a quick homeschool writing lesson? Have your children write about “The Perfect Gift.” It’s a fun project that doesn’t have to be high pressure or elaborate. The bonus? It will stretch critical thinking and writing skills. Start with a question, and ask: What would be the perfect gift to give (insert someone’s name here)? Ask them to consider … Continue reading →

I know I’ve been quiet for a while. But it’s a good thing. December, in all it’s flurry, always brings me to a place of introspection and meditation of what the new year will bring. Consequently, I’ve not been up to sitting at the computer sending out my usual “how to survive on the homestead” cheer. But I have … Continue reading →

I’ve been baking my own bread for at least 30 years. Who could have guessed that I had something to learn? But we all can be students if we approach things with a teachable heart, right? Such is the most important thing I learned reading Bread Bootcamp: It’s Not a Cookbook, It’s an Adventure by Marye Audet. Yes, I … Continue reading →